With only a semester left at Trinity for the Class of 2025, the time for reflection has arrived. ECHO staffers asked our teachers to describe the Senior Class with a single song that encapsulates the spirit and energy of the class as a whole. Though some teachers only had limited experience with the class of ’25, their songs serve as a testament to each teacher’s individual interactions with these seniors.

The common characteristic of each song was centered on the idea of brotherhood, a characteristic that is explained through the class motto: Built By Brotherhood. Ms. Mary Emrich and Mr. Chris Luken first described the connection between the class motto and their chosen song “Brother” by NEEDTOBREATHE. Emrich firmly believes that this song is a model of the way the senior class defines the meaning of brotherhood, writing that “these lyrics describe how [she’s] seen the class show up for and support each other.” Luken expanded on this idea and noted that the seniors “keep stepping up for each other,” a feat that is a testament to the bond that each senior has with his class.

With an insightful commentary on the feeling of community amongst the seniors, Mr. Jimmy Backes added the classic “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. Backes wrote, “The song’s upbeat tempo and energetic beats mirror the humor and energy of the senior class of 2025,” showcasing the class’s ambition and an idea of “living in the moment” in these last few months at Trinity.

Mr. Alex Dotsey further contributed to this idea of living in the moment with his song selection: “Chicago” by Sufjan Stevens. A tribute to the impending end of high school, Dotsey highlighted how the song is focused on living life honestly, or in his words, “be[ing] true to yourself.” The song features a motif on the crossroads that the senior class is about to encounter, and Dotsey explained this by writing, “the lyrics express that time of life in which change, personal growth, and self-discovery are at the forefront of your life.” At this important crossroads, Dotsey encourages the seniors to “grow from these experiences, and don’t be afraid to go out, road trip, explore, live, make mistakes, be kind to yourself, be true to yourself, and learn about yourself and the world around you.”

Finally, Mr. Tyler Harris discusses the end of high school and its finality for the senior class. With his song selection, “I Am the Highway” by Audioslave, Harris described the innate upper hand that the senior class has on other classes graduating this year. He wrote, “Unlike others in a similar position, [the Class of 2025] will have each other… The connections I’ve seen formed in this senior class are special and long-lasting.” Harris’s song selection couldn’t be more indicative of this idea, especially considering his interpretation of the lyrics to mean that “we are all we have, we form a highway of togetherness in the face of a dark, cold universe, and we give each other meaning.” With this being said, the senior class motto couldn’t be truer. Being Built By Brotherhood is what sets Trinity apart from other schools and it is one of the biggest things that the Class of 2025 will be able to take away following their graduation.

With the faculty and staff’s support, the Senior Class of 2025 is being pushed out into the world with each other to depend on. We can’t wait to see the amazing things that this class accomplishes.

Some other responses included the following:

Mr. Schroeder: “We bring the BOOM!” – AJ and Big Justice – “This class consistently brings a fun energy to both school & extracurricular activities.”

Mr. Rapp: “Good Riddance” – Green Day – “This song, offers just that…”I hope you had the time of your life”!

Mr. Budniak: “Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi” – Carl Orff–Carmina Burana – “The glories of fortune and agonies that are taken from us in this life. I hear the joys and pain of the class of ’25 through your stories told on retreat.”

Dr. Stamp: “With a Little Help From My Friends” – The Beatles – “The song is about walking the path and never being alone, and I have no doubt that even when 2025 graduates, they will still be there for each other when need be.”

Mr. Waggoner: “Keep Moving” – Jungle – “To the class of 2025, you’re going to be big people soon. So move! Just keep moving! Moving, keep moving!”

Mr. Schum: “Roar” – Katy Perry – “Class has been through a lot. Drink it all in; you deserve it.”

Ms. Moses: “You Are Loved” – Stars Go Dim – “This song is like a love letter to the Class of 2025 to make sure the seniors know that they are always loved.”

Ms. Reedy: “Takin’ Care of Business” – Bachman-Turner Overdrive – “I feel this class has been the quiet horse, never asking for praise but rather allowing their hard work, dedication, and drive to tell the story of them rather than boasting about it.”